Choosing a web developer isn’t just about finding someone who can “make a website”. It’s about finding someone who can build a website that performs: ranks, converts, and scales.
Two developers can deliver something that looks similar on the surface — but the difference in structure, performance, and long-term results can be huge.
Start with the outcome you want
Before you compare quotes or portfolios, be clear on what the website needs to do:
- Generate enquiries consistently
- Rank locally (or nationally)
- Support paid ads and landing pages
- Scale into more pages, services, or systems later
If the goal is growth, you need more than someone who can “make it look nice”.
Questions to ask before hiring a developer
1) “How will you structure the site for SEO?”
A good answer includes intent mapping, page hierarchy, internal linking, and technical foundations. A weak answer is “we’ll add keywords” or “we’ll install an SEO plugin”.
2) “How do you approach performance?”
You want to hear about clean builds, optimised images, minimal scripts, and stability (Core Web Vitals). If performance is treated as optional, expect problems later.
3) “What happens after launch?”
A serious developer will talk about indexing, monitoring, iteration, and growth. If launch is treated as the finish line, the website often stalls.
4) “Can I add services/pages later without a rebuild?”
This tells you whether the foundation is scalable. Many template builds fall apart once you add complexity.
5) “What do I own?”
Clarify ownership of:
- Domain and DNS access
- Website files/repository
- Hosting accounts
- Analytics/Search Console access
You should never be “locked in” without clear reason.
6) “How do you handle content and copy?”
Great sites rely on clear messaging. If you’re expected to “send text later” with no guidance, the final result often ends up weak.
Red flags to watch for
- Everything is vague: “we include SEO” with no detail
- Over-reliance on page builders: fast now, messy later
- No performance talk: speed becomes your problem later
- No clear process: timelines drift and quality drops
- Unrealistic promises: “#1 on Google in a week”
What good answers sound like
You’re looking for calm, confident clarity. Not hype.
Good developers can explain:
- How the site will be structured and why
- How performance will be protected
- How pages are built around intent and conversion
- How the site can scale as the business grows
Portfolio matters — but ask for context
Don’t just look at visuals. Ask:
- What was the goal of this site?
- Did it improve enquiries or ranking?
- How was performance handled?
- What changed after launch?
A strong developer will happily explain the “why” behind decisions.
Final thoughts
A website is often your most important sales asset. It’s worth choosing a developer who builds for outcomes, not just aesthetics.
If you choose well, your website becomes a long-term growth engine. If you choose poorly, it becomes something you replace.